VP Shettima Halts US Journey Due to Aircraft Malfunction; Minister Tuggar to Represent President Tinubu at US-Africa Business Summit

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has been designated to stand in for President Bola Tinubu at the prestigious 2024 US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, Texas.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, initially designated to represent the President, encountered an impediment as his aircraft faced technical issues, compelling him to revise his travel plans on the counsel of the Presidential Air Fleet.

A press release from his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, issued on Monday, elucidated that the Vice President will redirect his focus to ongoing national responsibilities domestically.

Scheduled to unfold at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, the summit promises to assemble a confluence of political and business figures from Africa, the United States, and beyond, facilitating discussions, networking opportunities, and plenary sessions.

Among the distinguished African leaders slated to attend are President Joseph Boakai of Liberia, President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi, President Joao Lourenço of Angola, President Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi of Botswana, President José Maria Neves of Cabo Verde, and Deputy Prime Minister Nthomeng Majara of Lesotho.

The overarching objective of the US-Africa Business Summit remains the cultivation of economic partnerships and the exploration of investment avenues between the United States and various African nations.

According to insights from newsmen, Vice President Shettima had departed from Abuja earlier on Sunday en route to the United States in anticipation of the summit.